Chelsea are on the verge of signing Manu Kone from AS Roma. Sky Sports Football reported on Tuesday 1 September 2026 that talks for the French midfielder are advancing, with a fee of £52m being discussed.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini is opposed to the sale. "Does not want to sell a player," the coach stated, highlighting his reluctance to lose a key midfield component. The Giallorossi, who currently lead Serie A with 6 points from two wins out of two, are assessing market options for a potential replacement.
What are the deal details?
The Chelsea offer for Manu Kone stands at £52m. The Blues are working hard to line up a replacement for Enzo Fernandez before the deadline and plan to bring in one midfielder if the Argentine departs. In parallel, talks are also advancing for a loan of winger Jamie Gittens to Chelsea.
The London club had a £38.5m (€45m) bid for Monaco midfielder Camara rejected. This rejection accelerated the interest in Kone. Roma, for their part, are considering AC Milan's Youssouf Fofana or Marseille's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as potential replacements.
Who is Manu Kone?
Manu Kone is a 25-year-old French international with 19 caps. He has played in Italy, Germany and his homeland, showing a notable capacity to adapt. Sky Sports' Nick Wright noted: "Kone has pedigree as a 19-cap France international who, at 25, and with his peak years still ahead of him, has already impressed in Italy, Germany and his homeland, demonstrating a capacity to adapt which could serve him well in the Premier League."
The player can operate as a No 6 or No 8, but is most comfortable at the base of midfield. Over the last two Premier League seasons, Enzo Fernandez contributed 16 goals and 11 assists. In the same timeframe, Kone provided two goals and five assists in league games for Roma.
What is Roma's current context?
Gasperini's team has started the season perfectly, sitting top of the table with two wins from two. They have scored 8 goals and conceded none, boasting a +8 goal difference. This makes a potential Kone departure a delicate decision during a positive period for the club.
The next fixture is against Atalanta, scheduled for Thursday 5 September 2026 at the Olimpico. The two sides meet with Roma first in the standings and Atalanta in fifth. Fans can follow all updates on the first-team squad and check the full schedule on the fixtures page.
What happens if Kone leaves?
Roma's management has already identified names to cover the role. AC Milan's Youssouf Fofana and Marseille's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are the hottest profiles. The need for an immediate replacement is clear, especially considering the league campaign and defending the top spot.
The negotiation with Chelsea remains open and complex, balancing the club's financial needs with the manager's desire to keep a midfield pillar. The transfer window will close soon, accelerating every decision. The home match against Atalanta on 5 September is the next official appointment for the capital club.
